The Idaho Panhandle region surrounding Hope sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, characterized by dense pine forests and multiple lake systems including Lake Pend Oreille. The area's camping season typically runs May through October, with July and August offering the warmest conditions for yurt camping and water activities. Highway 200 provides the main access route through this region, connecting campgrounds to nearby towns.
What to do
Hiking trails around Round Lake: Round Lake State Park offers extensive trail options for all skill levels. "A lovely trail runs completely around the lake and nicely maintained," notes Gordie H. Another visitor mentions "an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful."
Paddle sports on Lake Pend Oreille: Camp Coeur D Alene provides equipment rentals for enjoying the water. "We took the paddle boat out for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience," shares Angela F. The campground offers "free canoes" according to Jared, making it an economical option for water activities.
Explore nearby natural wonders: From Kootenai River Campground, visitors can reach unique attractions. "At their recommendation visited both the Kootenai Falls and Ross Creek Cedars, both very fun and memorable experiences for us and our toddler," writes Conti. The falls and cedar grove are approximately 30-45 minutes from most Hope area campgrounds.
What campers like
Private water access: Round Lake State Park Campground features swimming areas and fishing opportunities. "There are two docks perfect for fishing. I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout," notes Jason S. The lake has "a nice swimming area with kind of sandy beach," though visitors should note "a bit of seaweed in the swimming area."
Camp amenities beyond basic sites: Travelers appreciate facilities that exceed expectations. At Round Lake, "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," explains Heather M. Many sites offer shower facilities and educational resources not commonly found at primitive campgrounds.
Yurt camping options: For travelers seeking an upgrade from tent camping near Hope, Idaho, yurt accommodations provide a comfortable solution. At Yaak River Campground, "We stayed in a yurt it was clean and dry," reports Krista L. Yurts typically remain available into the shoulder seasons when tent camping becomes less comfortable due to temperature fluctuations.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have varying site layouts. At Round Lake, Brett R. notes that "There used to only about 34ish spots and now there are 51 spots. It's very crowded and people feel like they are right on top of each other." For more privacy, consider requesting specific sites when making reservations.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. "We swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable," reports Nic F. from winter camping at Round Lake. Most campgrounds operate with reduced services outside the primary May-September season.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Blue Lake RV Resort, "One of the major downsides was the campsite's unfortunate location between two railway lines. The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive," reports Anil C. Similarly, at Round Lake "some road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere" was noted by Jason S.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many sites offer features specifically designed for children. "Families can enjoy fishing, swimming, yard games, fire pit, and very dog friendly with a fenced dog park," reports Ann W. about Blue Lake RV Resort. The relatively small lakes around Hope are safer for young swimmers than the larger Lake Pend Oreille.
Educational opportunities: Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park provides learning experiences. "Farragut State Park has abundant hiking, water activities and interesting interpretive exhibits," notes Sarah. Another visitor mentioned "fascinating history" at this former naval training station, making it suitable for school-age children.
Accessibility to attractions: Proximity to regional activities makes Hope an excellent base for family excursions. "Love staying here, we stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park," shares Danielle P. about Round Lake. This theme park access provides a backup plan when weather affects camping activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose campgrounds that accommodate your specific RV size. "I would not recommend anything over 25 ft but that's me. Our 34RLSA 5er couldn't get in," warns a reviewer about Yaak River Campground. For larger RVs, Garfield Bay Campground offers "very big rvs at all. Spaces aren't very level," according to Lance C.
Seasonal hookup reliability: Electrical connections may be affected by weather and maintenance schedules. A winter visitor to Round Lake reported "electrical risk every 10 minutes" with unstable connections during cold weather. Most RV sites with full hookups operate most reliably from June through September when facilities receive regular maintenance.
Advance reservations essential: The limited number of developed RV sites in the Hope area necessitates early planning. Many campgrounds show full bookings weeks in advance during peak season, particularly for premium waterfront locations. Weekday arrivals offer better availability than weekends throughout the summer months.
